Saturday, July 16, 2011

Rafael Soriano came through today’s live batting practice with no problems, and Joe Girardi said the plan is for him to make a rehab appearance on Tuesday in Tampa.

“It went well, and I think we expect him to pitch in a game on Tuesday,” Girardi said. “I can’t tell you how he’s going to feel tomorrow, but I think we expect him to pitch in a game tomorrow and I think it’s in Tampa.”

Soriano threw either 25 or 26 pitches today — Girardi wasn’t sure which — and the Yankees would like him to pitch in back-to-back games before activating him from the disabled list.

If Soriano can return and pitch like the bullpen ace the Yankees thought they were signing, the staff will look quite strong. This will allow Girardi to either shorten games to six innings (which seems likely, as he stubbornly sticks to inning roles) or, much more desirably, to utilize Robertson as a true fireman. In essence, Robertson would come in whenever a high-leverage situation called for a reliever - be it in the second inning or the seventh.

Rafael Soriano came through today’s live batting practice with no problems, and Joe Girardi said the plan is for him to make a rehab appearance on Tuesday in Tampa.

“It went well, and I think we expect him to pitch in a game on Tuesday,” Girardi said. “I can’t tell you how he’s going to feel tomorrow, but I think we expect him to pitch in a game tomorrow and I think it’s in Tampa.”

Soriano threw either 25 or 26 pitches today — Girardi wasn’t sure which — and the Yankees would like him to pitch in back-to-back games before activating him from the disabled list.

If Soriano can return and pitch like the bullpen ace the Yankees thought they were signing, the staff will look quite strong. This will allow Girardi to either shorten games to six innings (which seems likely, as he stubbornly sticks to inning roles) or, much more desirably, to utilize Robertson as a true fireman. In essence, Robertson would come in whenever a high-leverage situation called for a reliever - be it in the second inning or the seventh.